When Porsche first debuted the Boxster a quarter-century ago as a discount counterpart to the famed Porsche 911, the vehicle proved popular enough that Porsche decided to keep it going for a few more iterations. As of 2021, there are four generations of the Boxster and counting, and it has evolved quite a bit from its initial appearance back in 1996. The Boxster had a decent share of flaws and weak points, though many of these can be addressed or prevented with regularly scheduled maintenance and service stops. A few of the Boxster models had a base model and a more powerful “S” variant.

Read on to find out just how much the Porsche has changed in the last 25 years.

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986: The First Generation

The inaugural set of Boxster models first arrived in 1996. These models had their fair share of issues during their production run from 1996 to 2004, but they were also known for being mostly reliable, especially with regard to the transmission. The main issues involved worn tires and headlamp failures. The chain and its tensioners are also known to fail as the 986 ages. That said, they can achieve high mileage and still be in good condition, provided routine maintenance is performed.

An intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure can also occur for first-generation models produced during 2000 and 2004, as Porsche swapped their dual row IMS bearing for a single row version, which failed more intensely and more frequently. Owners had to have the previous bearing retrofitted to avoid complete engine failure. The 986 was known to have a solid chassis, so rust was an extremely rare occurrence.

Brakes were known for being solid, specifically thanks to a prompt response during emergency stops. By 2021, most models of the 986- the name of the first model of Boxster to debut- can be purchased for just under $7,000, which is a fairly inexpensive way to own a Porsche. However, their nature as a specialty car means more scheduled maintenance and service runs will be required.

During the 986's initial production run, exactly 164,874 units were sold worldwide, and it's worth noting that the number of previous owners is inversely related to the long-term value of a classic vehicle. After all, the first and second owners are usually the ones with the time, money, and resources to make sure the vehicle is properly maintained and cared for.

987: The Second Generation

The success of the first generation inspired a second generation that started arriving on sales floors in 2005 and continued until 2012. This model was known as the 987, with interior parts and workings retained from its predecessor. However, a lot of the design elements and aesthetics of the exterior and interior were new.

The base model had a 2.7-L engine that could put out 240 HP. The “S” version, however, showcased a bit more power with its 3.2-L engine that could put out 280 HP. The Boxster received more changes in 2007, but went relatively unchanged for 2008. The aforementioned IMS failure was addressed by replacing the design altogether. The 9A1 type engine featured no IMS whatsoever, and this new design debuted in the 2009 models.

This sub-iteration of 2009-2012 models was colloquially referred to as the 987 Gen II, and they had Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) available in the engines of the “S” variants. Further, the old torque converter was tossed in favor of an automatic transmission option, which was a double-clutch type with seven gears. Porsche admittedly gave the 987 a more aggressive-looking appearance than they did for the 986. That said, the interior had some issues, specifically with the finish, as it had a paint that would easily peel to reveal black plastic underneath.

Also, many shift cables tended to break, necessitating replacements from Porsche dealers or from aftermarket sellers. Despite those issues, the 987 felt more evolved than its predecessor and therefore lacked the reputation of being a “budget” entry into Porsche ownership.

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981: The Third Generation

Porsche Boxster's third generation of vehicles featured an extensive makeover, becoming lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient. That more “evolved” feel that the 987 introduced continued into the third-generation 981. Luxury features were added, though the “S” variant was still kept as an upgrade. A lot of body panels were constructed from aluminum and the 981 had enlarged side air intakes to boost cooling performance.

The engine for the 981 S was a 3.4-L that could put out 315 HP and 266 lb-ft. of torque. The base model's 2.7-L engine, by comparison, could only put out 265 HP and 206 lb-ft. of torque. The cloth top was fully electric, although it was bigger and quieter than the top of the 987.

A new electric parking brake was added, and a center console helped the driver access essential controls more easily. Further, electric-mechanical steering was adapted from Porsche's 911, and it had a starting MSRP of $50,450. This model continued production through 2016.

982: The Fourth Generation

The current generation of Porsche Boxsters gets to enjoy an updated engine. This generation, known as the 982, began production in 2017 and continues to this day. This new model is more aesthetically pleasing and can achieve higher speeds than its predecessor. The turbocharged four-cylinder engines took over for the older, naturally-aspirated flat-six engines.

The starting MSRP is fairly high at $93,420, indicating it has overpowered the Cayman in the overall scheme of Porsche's luxury cars. The 2.5-L engine now puts out 350 HP and 309 lb-ft of torque. This new engine was also able to achieve peak power sooner at 6500 RPM. The 982 also goes from o-60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds.

Sources: revolution-porsche.co.uk, newsroom.porsche.com, pca.org, carbuyer.co.uk, motorweek.org, caranddriver.com,